Beer festival will feature 30 breweries

WATKINS GLEN--Keeping with a favorite fall tradition, many craft beers from around the area will be available for sampling over the weekend. Beers from New York State will be represented at the Finger Lakes Beer Festival Saturday, Oct. 24 at Watkins Glen International (WGI). The event is presented by the Finger Lakes Beer Trail and will run from noon to 5 p.m. at the track.
In the event's third year, the Finger Lakes Beer Festival has grown to include more than 30 New York State microbreweries, 15 distilleries and three cideries. Those who attend will have the opportunity to sample both regional and seasonal offerings.
"The Finger Lakes Beer Festival is such a fun event for us, and it's impressive to see the growth each year," said Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup. "As the industry grows in our region, we're getting more and more interest from both the breweries and distilleries, along with those who enjoy them. We're looking forward to closing out our 2015 schedule in a big way."
In addition to tastings, the Finger Lakes Beer Festival will also feature a cornhole tournament, stein holding competition and live entertainment. Registration is available by emailing racing@theglen.com.
Saturday's schedule of events is as follows:
• Noon -- Doors open. Zydeco Trail Riders begin playing on stage.
• Noon to 1 p.m. -- Cornhole Tournament and Stein Holding Competition sign-ups.
• 1 p.m. -- 32-team Cornhole Tournament begins.
• 1:30 to 2 p.m. -- Distilling seminar in the media center.
• 2:05 to 2:30 p.m. -- Stein Holding Competition on stage. Awards to follow.
• 2:30 to 5 p.m. -- Iron Horse Bluegrass plays.
• 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. -- Distilling seminar in the media center.
• 4:30 p.m. -- Cornhole Tournament winners announced and presented with trophies and awards.
• 5 p.m. -- Festival ends.
New to this year's event, a Friday night dinner will pair Finger Lakes regional fare with local craft breweries to be showcased during the next day's Festival. For $40 per person, separate from Saturday admission, guests will be hear a presentation by a local craft beer expert, along with complimentary beer tastings prior to a buffet-style dinner, which includes several action stations and Finger Lakes beer at the bar. Tickets must be purchased in advance for Friday night's dinner.
A full, up-to-date list of participating breweries, distilleries, and cideries is available at www.theglen.com. Tickets to the Finger Lakes Beer Festival can be purchased by calling 866-461-7223 or online at www.theglen.com for $40.